Neil Rice

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Neil Rice — Celtic
99K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Neil Rice is a name that combines Celtic origins. The first name Neil is a masculine given name of Celtic origin. Neil is a masculine name of Irish origin. The name is an anglicisation of the Irish Niall which is of disputed derivation. The Irish name may be derived from words meaning "cloud", "passionate", "victory", "honour" or "champion". Most authorities cite the meaning of Neil in the context of a surname as meaning "champion". Origins The Gaelic name was adopted by the Vikings and taken to Iceland as Njáll (see Nigel). From Iceland it went via Norway, Denmark, and Normandy to England. The name also entered Northern England and Yorkshire directly from Ireland, and from Norwegian settlers. The surname Rice: Rice is a surname that is frequently of Welsh origin, but also can be English, Irish, or even German. In Wales it is a patronymic surname, an Anglicized transliteration of Rhys, as are Reese and Reece. The German name Reiss has also been transliterated as Rice in the United States. Abbott Barnes Rice (1862–1926), American businessman, Massachusetts State legislator Albert E. Rice (1845–1921), American politician, Lt. Governor of Minnesota Alex Rice (born 1972), Canadian First Nations (Mohawk) actress Alexander H. Rice (1818–1895), American politician, Governor of Massachusetts Alexander H. Neil is a distinctive first name, carried by approximately 99K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Neil reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Neil

Celtic

Neil is a masculine name of Irish origin. The name is an anglicisation of the Irish Niall which is of disputed derivation. The Irish name may be derived from words meaning "cloud", "passionate", "victory", "honour" or "champion". Most authorities cite the meaning of Neil in the context of a surname as meaning "champion". Origins The Gaelic name was adopted by the Vikings and taken to Iceland as Njáll (see Nigel). From Iceland it went via Norway, Denmark, and Normandy to England. The name also entered Northern England and Yorkshire directly from Ireland, and from Norwegian settlers.

Surname: Rice

Irish

Rice is a surname that is frequently of Welsh origin, but also can be English, Irish, or even German. In Wales it is a patronymic surname, an Anglicized transliteration of Rhys, as are Reese and Reece. The German name Reiss has also been transliterated as Rice in the United States. Abbott Barnes Rice (1862–1926), American businessman, Massachusetts State legislator Albert E. Rice (1845–1921), American politician, Lt. Governor of Minnesota Alex Rice (born 1972), Canadian First Nations (Mohawk) actress Alexander H. Rice (1818–1895), American politician, Governor of Massachusetts Alexander H.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Neil is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Neil by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Notable People Named Neil Rice

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Neil Rice:

3
Expression Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

1
Soul Urge Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

2
Personality Number

Cooperation and sensitivity. A diplomatic, gentle nature with strong empathy, thriving in partnerships and harmony.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Neil?
The first name Neil originates from Celtic. Neil is a masculine name of Irish origin. The name is an anglicisation of the Irish Niall which is of disputed derivation. The Irish name may be derived from words meaning "cloud", "passionate", "victory", "honour" or "champion". Most authorities cite the meaning of Neil in the context of a surname as meaning "champion". Origins The Gaelic name was adopted by the Vikings and taken to Iceland as Njáll (see Nigel). From Iceland it went via Norway, Denmark, and Normandy to England. The name also entered Northern England and Yorkshire directly from Ireland, and from Norwegian settlers.
When was Neil most popular?
The name Neil reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Rice?
The surname Rice originates from Irish. Rice is a surname that is frequently of Welsh origin, but also can be English, Irish, or even German. In Wales it is a patronymic surname, an Anglicized transliteration of Rhys, as are Reese and Reece. The German name Reiss has also been transliterated as Rice in the United States. Abbott Barnes Rice (1862–1926), American businessman, Massachusetts State legislator Albert E. Rice (1845–1921), American politician, Lt. Governor of Minnesota Alex Rice (born 1972), Canadian First Nations (Mohawk) actress Alexander H. Rice (1818–1895), American politician, Governor of Massachusetts Alexander H.
What are the origins of the name Neil Rice?
The name Neil Rice combines two different traditions: the first name Neil has Celtic roots, while the surname Rice originates from Irish.
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